5 Small Business Growth Hack Strategies You Need to Try in 2022
As your small business gets back on track after the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re likely looking for new ways to establish growth.
So, what is growth hacking?
Growth hacking is a strategy focused solely on growth. It is usually used concerning early-stage startups that need massive growth in a short time for minimal cost. Growth hacking strategies often need creativity, innovation, and flexibility. These hacks are proven to increase customer base, including sales, product development, and customer service.
How does growth hacking work?
Growth hacking strategies may need to work across different parts of the business to deliver the desired results. In most startups, this gets easier as you and your employees likely aren’t as siloed as you would be in a large company.
Remember that growth hacking has to fit your business and customer needs. It’s about figuring out why you need growth, and look for ways to make it happen on purpose.
1. Increase social proof
New customers trust other existing consumers far more than they trust the business itself. In fact, 85% of online shoppers read between one to six online reviews before purchasing.
Reviews or testimonials carry a lot of weight with prospective customers. This is often called social proof — it is the evidence from other consumers that your product or service is worth purchasing. Include customer testimonials on your website and social media pages.
- Use automation for your business whenever possible.
Automation is proven to improve efficiency and productivity across your company. They streamline the lead management process and make marketing activities more scalable, helping your business increase its revenues. Automation tools can help you engage with your customers more efficiently. Use your time on other important stuff rather than doing things repeatedly.
- Publicity
Speaking at events is a fantastic way of getting free publicity. The more your name and your brand become recognized, the better. Many business strategists will say that public speaking can help get you leads. A lot of business owners send their staff to speak at events because they are hoping to get business out there. By speaking, they want to attract the attention of possible clients. Once people see you on stage, showing your knowledge, their trust in you and your brand grows. So grab the chance to share with a broader audience the content you’ve worked hard on
- Offer free trials of your products and/or services.
Customers are often skeptical about purchasing a new product for fear that they might not like it. If your product or service is a bit pricey, a smart growth hacking technique reduces the risk to your customers by giving them a free trial of your product or service.
Free trials may not be a good fit if you're running a retail business. You can try offering free sample products or setting up a return policy instead to reduce the risk for your potential customers.
In-person service-based businesses like massage spas, salons, personal trainers and the like can try offering free consultations. This helps get more people in your store, where you can spend more time working with the customer to meet their exact needs.
- Influencer marketing
Another proven growth hack to try in 2022 is influencer marketing. It's great way to build your brand quickly. It can boost brand awareness among your target audience.
The benefit of using influencer marketing is that the audience is already there, all you need to do is establish a trust for your brand. In fact, influencer marketing should always be active in your social media strategy.
Place your content in front of social media users who are already interested in your niche through relevant influencers. You don’t need to spend funds on testing and finding your target audience. Get your content out there, and generate new leads for your sales funnel.
By maximizing growth while minimizing costs, you’ll find more efficient ways to run your business. If done well, these growth hacking strategies can give your business a breath of fresh air in 2022.
